ATF Offers Reward in Vacant Church Fire

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Kansas City Field Division, the Wichita Fire Department and the Kansas State Fire Marshal’s Office announced today that ATF is offering a reward of $2,500 for anyone who has information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for a fire at a vacant Wichita church.

The fire occurred at 1504 North St. Francis on Dec. 28 at approximately 9:23 p.m. The building was previously used as a church but has been vacant for a few years.

Investigators believe that the fire is the result of a human act but do not yet know if the fire was an accident or arson. The fire caused approximately $50,000 in damage. No injuries were reported.

ATF dispatched a Certified Fire Investigator (CFI) and additional special agents to the scene. CFIs are highly trained special agents, who provide technical support, analysis and assistance to its state and local partners in the areas of fire origin and cause determination and arson investigation.

The investigation is being conducted by ATF, the Wichita Fire Department and the Kansas State Fire Marshal’s Office. Anyone with the information about the incident should call ATF at 1-888-ATF-FIRE or 316-269-6229 or the Wichita Fire Department at 316-337-9146.

ATF is the federal agency with jurisdiction for investigating fires and crimes of arson. For more information about ATF, go to www.atf.gov.